OPINION
With Chelsea reportedly interested in Jordan Pickford, Everton must resist any offers no matter how big.
As reported by the Sun, Chelsea are targeting the Toffees’ goalkeeper should Thibaut Courtois leave for Real Madrid this summer, but the Merseyside club must reject any offers out of hand for the ex-Sunderland goalkeeper, who could become one of England’s greatest goalkeepers of all-time.
His performances for his country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia were sublime. His excellent penalty save against Colombia, his brilliant stops against Sweden and Croatia, and of course, his technical skills were on show for the world to see.
With the ball at his feet or kicking out of his hands, the 24-year-old can put it on a six-pence for his teammates, which is such an important attribute to have in the modern game.
Even under extreme pressure from opposition attackers, he’s still able to look calm and simply play around them like it’s a training match.
Marco Silva’s side paid £25million (soruce: Independent) for the Sunderland-born goalkeeper last summer and is surely worth significantly more than that fee now.
Whatever Chelsea offer, they should not accept it under any circumstances, for Pickford, who earns £60,000-per-week (Spotrac), will only rise in value should he continue the level of his performances.
If they keep him for another season and he performs at a similar level to what he did last season, every club in world football will be willing to pay whatever Everton want for him, such is the ability and potential that he has.
Moving to Stamford Bridge in this transfer window would be a mistake, with all the changes at the club and the lack of signings so far this summer, Pickford could find himself being criticised for other people’s failings if Chelsea don’t challenge for the title this season.